Оцінка впливу використання генетично модифікованої продукції на стан продовольчої безпеки

The European Commission's Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy, under the European Green Deal, acknowledges that innovative techniques, including biotechnology, may play a role in increasing sustainability. At the same time, organic farming will be promoted, and at least 25% of the EU's agricultural land shall be under organic farming by 2030. How can both biotechnology and organic farming be developed and promoted simultaneously to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? We illustrate that achieving the SDGs benefits from the inclusion of recent innovations in biotechnology in organic farming. This requires a change in the law. Otherwise, the planned increase of organic production in the F2F strategy may result in less sustainable, not more sustainable, food systems.

Controversy surrounds the production and consumption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Proponents argue that GMO food sources represent the only viable solution to food shortages in an ever-growing global population. Science reports no harm from GMO use and consumption so far. Opponents fear the potentially negative impact that GMO development and use could have on the environment and consumers, and are concerned about the lack of data on the long-term effects of GMO use. We discuss the development of GMO food sources, the history of legislation and policy for the labeling requirements of GMO food products, and the health, environmental, and legal rationale for and against GMO food labeling. The Food and Drug Administration regulates food with GMOs within a coordinated framework of federal agencies. Despite mounting scientific evidence that GMO foods are substantially equivalent to traditionally bred food sources, debate remains over the appropriateness of GMO food labeling. In fact, food manufacturers have mounted a First Amendment challenge against Vermont's passage of a law that requires GMO labeling. Mandatory GMO labeling is not supported by science. Compulsory GMO labels may not only hinder the development of agricultural biotechnology, but may also exacerbate the misconception that GMOs endanger people's health.

How to expedite early-phase SARS-CoV-2 vaccine trials in pandemic setting-A practical perspective.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are handled differently in different countries. Whereas global acreage of GMOs jumped to 134 million hectares in 2009 [Cultivation... 2010], in many European countries opposition to GMOs is still strong, and their acreage is very small. This situation poses a difficult situation for many companies and their corporate social responsibility [CSR] strategies. Against this background, we conducted an online survey of 170 agribusiness firms in order to shed some light on how companies handle the conflict between, on the one hand, the growing use of GMOs worldwide and, on the other, the rejection of GMOs by European consumers. The empirical results show that many agribusiness firms perceive the use of GMOs as a highly relevant management issue that shapes their CSR strategies. All in all, agribusiness firms apply a wide spectrum of CSR activities; furthermore, CSR is considered a top management responsibility. GMOs are of above- average relevance in firms that have been criticized for their attitudes towards and use of GMOs. The empirical results have interesting implications for the management of CSR and legitimacy in the agribusiness sector.

The article is aimed at assessing the state of food security of Ukraine. The level of food security in Ukraine is checked according to the internal system of parameters and international methodologies. Analysis of the level of food security in Ukraine by the Global Food Security Index shows that it lags far behind not only the leading countries but also from neighboring countries. The situation requires consideration of not only existing but also promising challenges and threats to the maintenance of food security. In the future, this will increase the competitiveness of agricultural enterprises in the global food market. To achieve this goal, general scientific and special research methods were used, the main of which are the following: dialectics, scientific abstraction, statistical, and graphic analysis. The study substantiates the use of a methodology for assessing food security, which involves the calculation of four components and an integral index of food security of the state. As a result of the use of the proposed methodology, an assessment of the state of food security of Ukraine is implemented. The obtained results served to compare them with similar indicators of the countries of the world and Europe. The calculations show that food security, first of all, should be considered from the standpoint of ensuring economic security, taking into account the fact that the latter reveals internal opportunities and determines strategic alternatives to socio-economic growth to ensure public welfare under conditions of market relations. The article proposes tools for strengthening food security based on compliance with the requirements of the principles of ensuring food security, including self-sufficiency, multifunctionality, social justice, independence, stability, balance and rationality. To strengthen food security, it is proposed to strengthen such components as physical accessibility and economic accessibility of food, as they guarantee the quality and safety of agriculture, and it is also worth paying attention to improving natural resources and sustainability. The challenges and problems of the domestic agro-industrial complex, which plays a significant role in the world market and ensures food security, are analyzed. Measures to ensure increased food security are proposed.

The problem of food security in Ukraine today is more urgent than ever. Due to the intervention of the aggressor country in the socio-economic and political processes of Ukraine, the constant displacement of the population within the country and large-scale migration abroad, the destruction of infrastructure and other reasons, there is a negative impact on the production and stability of commodity agriculture and agro-industrial complex, including the impact on production of agricultural machinery and equipment, processing of agricultural raw materials, production of fertilizers, agrochemicals and other materials necessary for agriculture and providing citizens with food in general. The article examines the current problem of food security formation in Ukraine in the context of European integration. The current state of the food security system in the country was analyzed and the main challenges faced by Ukraine in the process of integration with the European Union were revealed. Particular attention is paid to the risks and technical aspects associated with the formation of food security in the context of European integration. The influence of the European integration process on the development of agriculture, in particular, the increase in export opportunities and the use of modern technologies, is considered. Strategies for improving food security in Ukraine through legislative changes and training of relevant specialists are proposed. It is recommended to introduce the effective agricultural methods that would reduce the impact on the environment and contribute to the preservation of the soil fertility, efficient use of water resources, improvement of transport and logistics infrastructure, investment to scientific research, development of scientific and technical development programs, etc. The article highlights the standards and requirements that are relevant in the EU in the formation of food security, and examines their impact on the Ukrainian economic system. The need to adapt national legislation to European standards was considered, and recommendations were made for improving the system of quality control and food safety.

The problem of food security in Ukraine and in the world in general has become especially relevant due to the growing population on the planet, depletion of natural resources, declining soil productivity, climate change and military conflicts. The number of countries with existing food security problems has increased in recent years. Different views on food security, state of food security in Ukraine are analyzed and comparisons with the countries of Europe and the world are made. According to statistics, in 2020 the caloric content of the Ukrainian diet was only 7% higher than the threshold level of 2.500 kcal/day, but less than the minimum WHO physiological standard (3.000 kcal/day) while the caloric content of the Ukrainian diet in 1990 was 3597 kcal/day. In addition, the diet of the population of Ukraine remains unbalanced with a predominance of plant products. The most critical is the state of consumption of complete protein foods (meat, milk, fish) and vitamin products (fruits). Ukrainians consume even less than the minimum norm for fish and fish products, as well as fruit. The indicator of import dependence is calculated, according to which as of 2020 it was the highest for fish and fish products — 82%, which is 52% above the threshold level of 30%. The predominant share of imported supplies falls on fish species that are caught exclusively in the waters of maritime economic zones of other countries, while the consumption of fish and fish products by the population of Ukraine remains below the recommended dietary norms. It is established that due to domestic production more than 90% of our country meets the necessary consumer needs of the population for most foods. The analysis and comparative assessment of the structure of total consumer expenditures of households in 2016 and 2020, as well as comparisons with EU countries. According to the State Statistics Service, consumer spending of Ukrainian households is 91.4% of income. The largest share of their income (48.1%) Ukrainians spent on food, housing and utilities — 14.4%. In the EU, housing, utilities and fuel rank first in the structure of household consumption expenditures — 25.7% of total expenditures. Citizens of Slovakia and Finland spend the most on this item — 30.7% and 30.5% of all expenses, respectively. The lowest one is 15.5% in Lithuania. Europeans spent on food and non-alcoholic beverages on average 14.8% of the total consumer spending structure, second only to utilities.

European consumers are skeptical towards genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production, and their willingness to buy such products is low. Previous research also shows that these attitudes are quite resistant to attempts to change them by giving additional information. The aim of the study was to investigate if positive sensory experience with a (purportedly) GMO‐based food product would influence consumers' attitude towards the use of GMOs in food production. An experiment was conducted in which subjects in the experimental group tasted cheeses, one of which was labeled as “produced using GMOs.” The cheeses were selected in a way that ensured that the subject had a sensory preference for the GMO cheese. A control group tasted cheeses that were unlabelled. After the tasting, subjects completed a conjoint analysis task about cheese, in which the type of starter culture used (GMO/conventional) was one of the attributes. Subjects also were administered a set of items measuring attitude towards the use of GMOs in food production. Results showed that for subjects in the experimental group (who believed that they had tasted a GMO cheese, with which they had a positive sensory experience) (1) attitude towards GMO in food production was less negative, and (2) type of starter culture used (GM/conventional) had less impact on their buying intentions with regard to cheese than for subjects in the control group. [EconLit citations: L660, M310, Q130]. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 20: 95–107, 2004.

EU Experts’ Attitude Towards Use of GMO in Food and Feed and Other Industries

The article analyzes the challenges and measures to enhance food security in Ukraine under martial law. It examines key factors influencing food security, including the purchasing power of the population, state control over crop rotations, natural resource management, and the development of the processing agricultural sector. Measures proposed to improve food security include increasing pensions, implementing humanitarian programs, introducing innovative technologies, and improving infrastructure. The purpose of the article is to study the peculiarities of food security in Ukraine and to develop effective strategies to enhance its level in the face of contemporary challenges. Methodology: The study employs general scientific methods of cognition, including methods of analysis and synthesis to analyze the main trends and challenges of food security; comparison to assess the effectiveness of various food security measures; content analysis to evaluate the political and economic aspects of food security; and generalization to formulate recommendations for improving food security in Ukraine. Results: The main challenges to food security in Ukraine are identified as a decline in the purchasing power of the population, reduction in sown areas, deterioration in the Global Food Security Index indicators, environmental disasters, disruptions in supply chains, and the lack of an adequate state strategy. Directions for enhancing food security are proposed, including the implementation of state control over crop rotations, increasing the purchasing power of low-income groups, stimulating the development of the processing agricultural sector, innovations and quality control, and improving infrastructure and logistics.

To buy or not to buy: Impact of labeling on purchasing intentions of genetically modified foods

Introduction. The article examines the problems of ensuring food security in Ukraine n the conditions of martial law. Since food security guarantees socio-political stability in society, determines the sustainable economic development of the country and the well-being of its every citizen. Goal. The purpose of the article is to examine the food security of Ukraine in modern conditions, to identify its main threats and ways to ensure it. Method (methodology). In the process of scientific research, the following methods are used: theoretical generalization, abstract-logical method, analysis, synthesis, comparison. The results. The essence of food security, the main approaches to its interpretation are determined. The main aspects and problems of food security are summarized; measures of state support for the proper level of food supply in Ukraine in the conditions of the russian-Ukrainian war. Ways to ensure food security in the post-war period are proposed.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are crops or animals that have been genetically engineered to express a certain physical or biological characteristic. Genetically modified foods have become increasingly popular based on the various benefits that genetically modified crops can provide, such as pest and drought resistance and increased yield and nutritional content. However, the public has had mixed reactions on the use of GMOs, as some believe it is an advancement in technology, while others are skeptical of their safety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how opinions on genetically modified foods can change from exposure to small amounts of information. The following question guided the study: How do personal opinions on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) change after being exposed to a small amount of educational information on GMOs? We tested the hypothesis that if participants were given educational resources to learn about GMOs, then they would have a more favorable opinion. We collected preliminary opinions via a survey, exposed the participant to a small sample of educational information about GMOs, and then collected opinions again. At the end of the survey, the percentage of participants who agreed with the use of GMOs in the United States increased by 27%. As the agricultural industry becomes increasingly aware of the benefits of GMOs, consumers must also approve of GMOs for them to be implemented. GMOs could be a possible solution to world hunger and climate impacts from agriculture, but they will be useless unless consumers feel confident and are educated in the science behind GMOs.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure Mexicans’ perceptions and attitudes about the production and consumption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire with 63 questions that encompassed 11 latent factors was used to obtain information. The questionnaire was administered to 14,720 people in Mexico’s urban areas.FindingsThe results revealed important similarities and differences with studies in other countries, showing mainly that the respondents did not have sufficient information about GMOs, they have low level of knowledge about GMOs (31.28 percent), are highly distrustful of GMOs, perceive high risk regarding GMOs (59.13 percent), want transgenic products to be labeled (93.59 percent) and do not perceive GMOs’ social values and positive health effects beyond increasing agricultural productivity. Also, it was observed that the higher the educational level of individuals, the lower the acceptance of GMOs.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors conclude that it is necessary to generate and provide scientifically accurate information on GMOs, so that people are better informed and can give a critical opinion on the use of GMOs.Practical implicationsThe major practical contribution of this research is that it provides empirical knowledge about the perceptions and attitudes toward the production and consumption of GMOs among the Mexican’s urban society, which can be of great help for the Mexican government to rethink if it is an appropriate moment to completely open the doors to international companies to cultivate crops like maize and others that have been postponed due to pressure from the environmental groups, farmers and other sectors of the society.Social implicationsThis is especially important in the context of maize as it is part of the cultural heritage of Mexico since ancient times. However, it is not clear what the overall perception is in the Mexican society on the use of GMOs for cultivation.Originality/valueSouthern regions of Mexico are the center of origin of several cultivated plants such as maize and legumes. The introduction of GMOs, called transgenics, in agriculture and food continues to cause enormous controversy in the perceptions and attitudes mainly among environmental groups and farmers in Mexico.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are handled differently in different countries. Whereas global acreage of GMOs jumped to 134 million hectares in 2009 [Cultivation... 2010], in many European countries opposition to GMOs is still strong, and their acreage is very small. This situation poses a difficult situation for many companies and their corporate social responsibility [CSR] strategies. Against this background, we conducted an online survey of 170 agribusiness firms in order to shed some light on how companies handle the conflict between, on the one hand, the growing use of GMOs worldwide and, on the other, the rejection of GMOs by European consumers. The empirical results show that many agribusiness firms perceive the use of GMOs as a highly relevant management issue that shapes their CSR strategies. All in all, agribusiness firms apply a wide spectrum of CSR activities, furthermore, CSR is considered a top management responsibility. GMOs are of aboveaverage relevance in firms that have been criticized for their attitudes towards and use of GMOs. The empirical results have interesting implications for the management of CSR and legitimacy in the agribusiness sector